GETTING TO KNOW PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Most people who experience symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear after the age of 50, but Parkinson's disease can also affect younger people. About 10% of Parkinson's diagnoses occur before the age of 50 years, this diagnosis is called Early Onset (or Young Onset) Parkinson's disease

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not known, but there are several factors that are thought to play a role, such as genetics and exposure to toxins in the environment. Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include:

• Age, it is estimated that around 1 percent of the population over the age of 60 suffers from Parkinson's disease and this increases to 2 percent in the population over 65 years.
• Gender, according to research, men suffer from Parkinson's more often than women with a ratio of 1.5: 1.
• History of having had a head injury
• Exposure to toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals.

Parkinson's disease symptoms

The main symptoms of this disease are disturbances in motor movements, namely:

• Tremors (shaking) in the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face. This tremor continues to occur even though the patient is at rest.
• Muscle stiffness (stiffness, rigidity)
• Bradykinesia (slow movement)
• Posture that is no longer stable (postural instability) is a disruption in balance and coordination.

Other symptoms include loss of the ability to smell things, reduced hand dexterity, difficulty handwriting, impaired autonomic function, such as difficulty defecating, frequent urge to urinate, sexual dysfunction, drooling, sleep disturbances, swallowing disorders, depression and anxiety, and dry eyes due to reduced eye movement so that the blinking reflex slows down.

Treatment of Parkinson's disease

Currently, there is no definite therapy for Parkinson's disease. All therapies currently given are aimed at alleviating the clinical symptoms that arise, slowing the course of the disease, and improving the sufferer's quality of life. Apart from administering medication, the doctor will also advise the patient to undergo therapy such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychotherapy.

Prevention of Parkinson's Disease

There is no prevention for Parkinson's Disease, but there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of Parkinson's, including:

• Implement a healthy diet with balanced nutrition. Make sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Some recommended foods include turmeric, berries (blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries), red wine, green tea.
• Exercise regularly because it can help maintain dopamine levels in the brain
• Avoid exposure to chemicals/toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides and other heavy metals.
• Avoid head trauma.
• Enough rest
• Doing activities to stimulate the brain such as writing, reading, playing music, solving puzzles and others.
• Managing stress

If you or your family experience Parkinson's symptoms, immediately consult a doctor so you can get the right treatment.